AMC begins demolition drive at Kamal Lake in Sardarnagar, locals protest

The Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) on Tuesday carried out an anti-encroachment operation at Kamal Lake (Umla Talawadi) in the Sardarnagar ward, targeting around 150 illegal structures in the area.

The demolition drive at Kamal Talawadi on ITI Road in Kubernagar is being conducted peacefully under heavy police deployment. According to AMC officials, the clearing of encroachments is the first step towards a proposed redevelopment plan for the lake area, aimed at reclaiming public land and restoring the waterbody.

However, the action has sparked strong resentment among local residents, with several families, including women and children, left distressed and without shelter. Affected residents said they were not opposed to relocation but demanded alternative housing arrangements before eviction.

Locals alleged that despite receiving notices, no rehabilitation plan or alternate accommodation was offered by the civic body. “We are ready to move if we are given another place to live, but we have nowhere to go,” residents said.

A resident, Manasvi, highlighted the hardships faced by her family, stating that her grandfather is paralysed and her mother recently underwent surgery. She said the uncertainty has disrupted her education, as she has not been able to attend school for nearly a month since eviction notices were issued.

Residents continued to appeal to the authorities for immediate rehabilitation, insisting they would vacate the area once alternative housing is provided.